Clients are key to Chattanooga attorney Lorraine Raymond

Attorney Lorraine Raymond reviews a case with a client in her office on Ringgold Road.

As a sole practitioner, local attorney Lorraine Raymond makes it clear that when it comes to her work, the client is priority No. 1.

"I don't run [my practice] like a business," said the seasoned attorney. "It's not systematic; each individual I work with gets all of me when I am on their case."

In situations that may already be stressful, Raymond strives to help people in all facets. She offers free consultations in her office at 3335 Ringgold Road, Suite 105, and said she works hard to provide quality counsel at affordable rates.

"I will work with clients on paying their fee," she said.

Specializing in bankruptcies and divorces, Raymond said she recognizes that most people in these situations are already struggling financially.

"My main concern is the client and helping them," she said. "It's not about me; it's about doing the best job I can for all of my clients."

Lorraine Raymond goes over a client's records.

Personal bankruptcy Chapters 7, 13 and 11 (corporation) cases make up the bulk of Raymond's work, but she also handles divorce and child support cases, wills and some criminal matters.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is best for people who are behind on car or house payments but who want to keep their car or home, Raymond explained. "As long as there is regular income, we can make it work for these clients," she said, adding that she strives to give her clients all the information they need about each option, and works with them to guide them through the decision making process.

Chapter 7 can be filed once every eight years, and it erases most debt completely.

"I don't push my clients," said Raymond. "I let them make all the decisions, and I give them all the facts they need to make their decisions."

With 26 years of experience, her clients have been pleased and continue to offer referrals in her favor, she said. In some of her cases, Raymond is helping second-generation clients.

"It gives me satisfaction that I can help them," she said. "People walk out saying, 'I'm so glad I came to you.' That's my reward."

Raymond added that her ability to identify with her clients is something that sets her apart from others in the field. Working through both her undergraduate degree and law school as a single parent with little money, she said she finds she is able to empathize with many of the people that visit her office seeking counsel.

"I can identify well with their situations and I know where they are coming from," Raymond said. "I do my best to help solve their problems and give them peace of mind to go on with their daily life."

Lorraine Raymond's office is located at 3335 Ringgold Road, Suite 105. She can be reached at 305-0384 or loriatt@aol.com and encourages anyone looking for legal counsel in any of the areas of her specialty to reach out to her and schedule a free consultation in her office. (Raymond cannot give legal advice over the phone.)